Destiny 2 Season 13: Complete guide to Season of the Chosen’s new content and changes
Season 13 Overview
Destiny 2’s Season of the Chosen marks a significant evolution in Bungie’s seasonal model, addressing player feedback while introducing innovative systems. Following the mixed reception of Season of the Hunt, this update brings substantial quality-of-life improvements alongside fresh content.
The February 9 launch introduces battleground activities in the Cosmodrome, vendor system overhauls, and the return of fan-favorite Umbral Engrams with enhanced functionality.
Season 13 represents Bungie’s commitment to addressing community concerns while maintaining the game’s evolving narrative. Players can expect a more rewarding experience with reduced FOMO (fear of missing out) mechanics and improved loot targeting systems.
Key Dates and Trailer
The season runs from February 9 to May 11, with the reveal trailer showcasing Cabal forces invading the Cosmodrome. The cinematic preview highlights new battleground activities where Guardians will defend the Last City’s interests against Empress Caiatl’s forces.
Destiny 2 – Season of the Chosen has officially been confirmed with a new trailer! It begins February 9. pic.twitter.com/xyewfO6HCq
— Destiny 2 News (@theDestinyBlog) February 2, 2021
Pro Tip: Complete all Season of the Hunt content before February 9 to avoid missing exclusive rewards, as certain activities like Crow’s bounties will become unavailable.
Dreaming City and Moon Rewards
Bungie reversed its sunsetting decision for Dreaming City and Moon gear, bringing back the Reverie Dawn and Dreambane armor sets with updated perk pools. Four weapons from each location return, including the coveted Waking Vigil hand cannon.
The reissued gear features:
- Higher base stats than original versions
- New perk combinations unavailable previously
- Enhanced drop rates for updated versions
- Additional perks from high-level activities
Common Mistake: Don’t dismantle your old versions immediately – compare perks as some legacy rolls may still have situational value.
Vendor System Overhaul
Season 13 completely revamps the vendor reward system, replacing tokens with a ranking mechanism. Players now earn reputation through playlist activities, with reset opportunities after reaching max rank for additional rewards.
Key changes include:
- Two exclusive weapons per core playlist
- Nightfall-specific drops: The Palindrome, The Swarm, Shadow Price
- Grandmaster Nightfalls offer Adept weapon variants
- Token expiration at season end – spend them now
Optimization Tip: Focus on completing vendor bounties before the update to maximize token redemption before the system changes.
Content Accessibility Changes
Bungie extends access to Season of the Hunt content including Wrathborn Hunts and the Adored weapon quest, reducing content vaulting concerns. However, some temporary elements like Crow’s bounties and seasonal artifacts will disappear.
Players should note:
- Seasonal narrative continuity may show temporary inconsistencies
- Some activities remain accessible beyond their season
- New content model reduces abrupt content removal
Pro Tip: Complete the Adored sniper rifle quest before Season 13 for guaranteed access to this powerful weapon.
Umbral Engrams Return
The popular Umbral Engram system returns with expanded functionality through the Prismatic Recaster. Engrams now drop from multiple sources including:
- Core playlists (Strikes, Crucible, Gambit)
- Patrol activities
- Both current and previous seasonal content
While drop rates are slightly reduced from Season of Arrivals, the system now allows targeting loot across multiple seasons. The recaster interface has been streamlined for easier navigation between seasonal offerings.
Optimization Tip: Focus Umbral decoding on weapons with limited acquisition methods first to maximize your loot efficiency.
Gilded Titles System
Season 13 introduces gilding for core activity titles (Unbroken, Dredgen, Flawless, Conqueror), allowing veteran players to showcase their continued mastery. Gilded status provides:
- Special border effects on title Seals
- Gilding count tracker
- Unique in-game emblem above your character
Gilding resets each season but maintains your base title completion. The system adds long-term goals for dedicated players while preserving prestige for original earners.
Common Mistake: Don’t wait until season end to begin gilding – some challenges may require multiple weeks to complete.
Seasonal Challenges
Replacing weekly playlist bounties, Seasonal Challenges provide account-wide objectives spanning 10 weeks. These include:
- Seasonal narrative progression
- Core playlist engagement
- Power level milestones
- Mod slot unlocks
Challenges remain available until season end, reducing FOMO. Bungie has designed more varied objectives, moving away from pure bounty completion as the primary progression method.
Pro Tip: Complete challenges early each week to maximize Bright Dust earnings throughout the season.
Bright Dust Economy
Seasonal Challenges become the primary Bright Dust source, offering up to 34,540 Dust through:
- Challenge completions (10,000)
- Season Pass rewards (10,500)
- Weekly challenges (14,040)
While earning the maximum requires significant playtime, the system provides more flexibility than previous Bright Dust acquisition methods. Players can focus on preferred activities rather than mandatory bounty completions.
Optimization Tip: Prioritize high-value Bright Dust challenges first when time is limited.
Weapon Sandbox Updates
Significant weapon tuning prepares for crossplay implementation, including:
- Increased recoil for mouse/keyboard (Auto/Scout/Pulse Rifles, SMGs, MGs, Hand Cannons)
- Buffs to Rocket Launchers, Fusion Rifles, Grenade Launchers
- Nerfs to Sniper Rifles and Swords
- Exotic weapon adjustments
These changes aim to balance the playing field between input methods while refreshing the weapon meta. Players should expect an adjustment period as the new recoil patterns become familiar.
Common Mistake: Don’t immediately dismiss buffed weapon types – test them in the new sandbox before making loadout decisions.
Future of Destiny 2
Assistant Game Director Joe Blackburn confirmed a “State of Destiny 2021” post coming in Season 13, addressing:
- Transmog system implementation
- Weapon reward improvements
- Beyond Light feedback responses
- Long-term game health initiatives
Last year, I said Destiny’s Best Days are ahead. Seeing what’s coming, I believe this more than ever. But we have work to do to get there. 2021 is going to be a little different for Destiny. Taking some time to validate our plans, but expect a state of Destiny 2021 next season.
— Joe Blackburn (@joegoroth) January 19, 2021
This communication signals Bungie’s commitment to addressing player concerns while evolving Destiny 2’s core systems.
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